MY CROWN PRINCE | JEON JUNGKOOK

Episode 2: Unseen Bonds

Silla 1745

They entered the spacious room, where a lady was seated on the floor in front of a low table. Her hair was elegantly styled in a perfect bun, adorned with many pins, and she wore a richly embroidered green and gold hanbok.

"We are here, Eommoni," Taehyung announced.

"Ah, Taehyung. Where have you been?" she asked, her gaze stern.

Both children lowered their heads.

"Eomma, I was in the woods," Taehyung admitted.

"What? Taehyung!!!" she exclaimed.

"Mianhe, Eomma. I won't do it again," he said, his voice full of regret.

"I can't believe this, Taehyung. You need to practice with your sword. As the sole heir of this family, it's your duty. You are 11 years old now," she said firmly.

"Ne, Eomma," Taehyung replied.

"As you know, the Kim family is the second most respected family in Silla. As the second lady of Silla, it is my duty to teach you, Kim Taehyung. Your father is busy with the King, but you need to prepare for your future responsibilities," she continued.

"M-mianhe, Eomma," Taehyung said.

Her attention then shifted to Min Ha.

"Min Ha, you should be with other girls, studying and behaving like a proper lady. Why do you always engage in such activities?" she asked.

"Anniya, Eomma. It's not her fault—" Taehyung started.

"I don't like girly things. You always tell me to do those things, but I prefer playing with boys, practicing with swords. I don't want to wear these heavy dresses and stay with maids," Min Ha said defiantly.

"I can't believe you're only 9 years old, and you act like this. I don't know what to do with you," she said, exasperated.

"Eomma, it's not her fault. She's just like that," Taehyung said.

"Stop defending her, Taehyung! I don't understand why she won't listen to me. Her father doesn't approve of her involvement in these activities. I don't know why I'm telling you this. You are my son and Min Ha's best friend. You should tell her to behave properly. And Min Ha, look at your brother—he's well-behaved and excels in everything, even sword fighting," she said.

"But Eomma, he's 14," Taehyung replied.

"Well, Eunuch Hong, come here and get them bathed. They look like they've been working in the fields," she instructed.

"Ne, Lady," Eunuch Hong bowed.

***

"Ne, Little Master, what brings you here?" a maid asked Taehyung at Min Ha's house.

"I want to play with Min Ha," he replied.

"Ne, Little Master. She is in her room, playing with dolls," the maid said.

"Ne, she really likes dolls," Taehyung said with a chuckle.

He knocked on the door.

"Ne?" Min Ha called from inside.

"Your best friend," Taehyung said.

"Oo, come in!" Min Ha answered.

As he entered her room, his eyes widened in surprise.

"What is this, Lee Min Ha?" he asked, astonished.

Min Ha was dressed in a warrior's outfit, and her room was filled with swords.